Change of address
I RANG the council customer services on Wednesday last week as my bus pass was due to expire the next day and a replacement had not arrived. I was told that because I had not advised a change of address when I moved in February 2010 that it would cost me £5 for a new pass. The pass had been sent to my old address and then returned to the council. Because my request for a new pass had been processed electronically, I was told it could not be recovered and my application would have to stand, so I paid by debit card over the phone.
But not only has that cost me £5; I also have to pay fares for the next two or three weeks because the firm supplying the cards is not connected with the council and it is at their mercy regarding delays.
I think this is most unfair. I am a widow of 81 and can ill afford all this extra expense. I have not lost my pass but feel I am being punished for being unaware that I should have advised my change of address.
I wonder how many more customers are aware of this situation, and I hope my letter will draw pensioners’ attention to this fact.
MRS P SMART
Wilton Road
Bexhill-on-Sea